Description: After replacing Sigel in command of Union forces in the
Shenandoah Valley, Maj. Gen. David “Black Dave” Hunter renewed the Union
offensive. On June 5, Hunter engaged the Confederate army under “Grumble”
Jones north of Piedmont. After severe fighting, a flanking movement made
by Thoburn’s brigade turned Jones’s right flank. While trying to stem the
retreat of his soldiers, Jones was killed. The retreat became a rout. More
than 1,000 Confederates, including 60 officers, were captured. Jones lost
three guns. Hunter occupied Staunton on June 6 and, after a pause to await
the arrival of Brig. Gen. George Crook’s column, began to advance on Lynchburg,
destroying military stores and public property in his wake.